Obituary
Robert “Bob” Linus Gallagher
Robert “Bob” Linus Gallagher passed away peacefully at Eagle Crest South, La Crosse, on August 1, 2023, surrounded by his devoted and loving wife, Shirley and family.
Bob was born on the family farm located near Ridgeway, MN on November 28, 1921 to Joseph Edward and Emily (Roeder) Gallagher.
Bob was a jack-of-all trades and a great story teller. He farmed, drove truck and was a diesel mechanic. He was a genius at building and fixing practically anything from houses, farm machinery, antique cars, violins, virtually anything building and fixing. If it was to be done, you could be assured it was done right.
Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Shirley; sister-in-law, Ramona Abbey; brothers-in-law, Orvis Weber, Jim Weber; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Francis Frie; brothers, Joseph, Emmet; and brothers-in-law, Ross Abbey and James O’Connor, sisters-in-law, Mae O’Connor and Faye Weber.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Onalaska. Msgr. Steve Kachel will celebrate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the mass at the church. Interment will be held at the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be given to Gundersen Medical Foundation, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or the donor’s choice.
Sending my condolences to all of Bobs family and friends.He was a great man and will be missed May God bless you all. With all my love, Delores Mack Holden.
Rest in peace Bob. I remember how much praise my dad had for you and your vast talents when working on his antique fire trucks and old vehicle collection.
I miss him as my neighbor at Eagle Crest north. He was a great story teller and did see items he restored.
My sincere condolences to Shirley, and all of Bob’s family. I was Graced with being Shirley and Bob’s neighbor for a short time.
I loved all the great stories that Bob told of his life from a young child and through the years. He lived an amazing life. I don’t believe there wasn’t anything Bob couldn’t do that he put his mind to. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
I am grateful and blessed to have called him friend.
I want to send my condolences to “Gallagher’s” wife Shirley. My husband always referred to him as that. Ray use to fix or give advice to Bob regarding lawnmowers back about 20 plus years ago. Ray and I would see Bob and Shirley at Family Restaurant occasionally. I notice here that Bob and Ray shared the same birthday, November 28. I lost Ray on March 1st of this year.
Shirley, you have my deepest sympathy. God’s Peace Be With You.
Vickie Michalko
Shirley and family,
I am so heartbroken to hear of Bob’s passing! He was one of my favorite residents when I worked at Eagle Crest North. I loved his stories and teasing him everyday I saw him. He always put a smile on my face.
Shirley, I pray for you to find comfort that he is not struggling any longer.
You have my sympathy. My parents Howard and Marion Kappauf knew Bob from long ago and he was a family friend. He outlived my parents.
Diane Novak
You have my sympathy. My parents Howard and Marion Kappauf knew Bob from long ago and he was a family friend. He outlived my parents.
Uncle Bob restored a lovely violin that our granddaughter, Caitlin, now has. She played it in the Youth Symphony in Arvada, Colorado for several years before high school, and then played it for her own enjoyment (and still does). We were fortunate that Bob passed such a beautiful instrument down to his great great niece. Thank you, Bob. We cherish your memory.